You never know who might know you have valuable items in your home. In order to protect the things you own, putting a little thought into home security is a must. To learn more about home security, read on.

You can hide your spare key on your dog. In order to make this work, your dog either needs to stay outside or have access to a pet door. Place a spare key on the collar, and when you really need a spare, you know where to go!

Your dog can actually safeguard a spare key. This approach is useful if your dog is a large breed that lives outdoor, or if your house has a doggy door. You can purchase a special collar that will hold your spare key, so when you forget your keys your dog can let you in.

Make sure that you change the locks once you’ve taken possession of the house. There is no telling how many key copies were made and given out by a previous owner. You want to be sure that you’re the only one with a key. You should also have your locks changed if you lose your keys.

Solicit word of mouth recommendations from friends, colleagues and family members to find a great home security company or system. They have likely had interactions with home security providers that they can tell you about, saving you time and stress. Ask a few different people to help you make the best choice.

Be very cautious about entrusting a maid service with a key to your home. If you plan to give them a key so they can clean in your home while you are away, ensure they are reputable and honest. Check their references fully. Call the Better Business Bureau to see if their firm is well-reviewed.

Turn off ringers on land line phones while you are on vacation. A constantly ringing phone can signal to a burglar that the house is vacant, making it an easy target for their criminal activities.

Buy a safe so you can conceal your valuables in it. Doing so can protect your valuables in the event of a robbery. The safe should be situated in an inconspicuous area of your home.

Be sure you have secured your attached garage. A common concern expressed among homeowners is that someone might enter their garage and use that as an entrance to their home. There is a solution, however. A C clamp helps for garage doors on a track. The clamp actually keeps the door closed if tightened close to the track roller.

When looking to purchase a good home security system, it is best that you look at many companies. Different companies can provide equivalent levels of service and security, but their prices can vary wildly. Get a quote from several companies before making a final decision.

If you’ve got a garage, boost home security just by using it for only a car instead of storage. Keeping your car in your house will deter intruders from vandalizing or stealing it. This will also make it more difficult for burglars to track when you away from home.

Be sure your roof, floors, and ceiling are fire resistant. This can provide additional safety to the home, particularly in dry regions. Preventing a fire hazard is one of the safest precautions that you can take due to the level of destruction that it can cause.

Security System

Home protection program details may be available at your police station. Many police departments will offer expert advice, arrange inspections, sponsor neighborhood watches, and help you mark and register your valuables. Discuss the possibility of this sort of program with your police department.

Regardless of the quality of your home security system, you need to have it checked each year. Ask a home security employee to give it a look. Wild animals or plain old nature can wreak havoc on your home security system. It’s quite possible for there to be a fault in your system even if you can’t see it.

Get creative and hide valuables inside your walls. Don’t make it obvious by cutting out big chunks of drywall. Many spots are already cut that can be used for this purpose. For example, place jewelry in an unused electrical outlet.

Change your locks if someone you don’t trust moves out of your home. Maybe you had a roommate move out or have a disgruntled ex-lover, changing the locks is the best way to keep yourself safe. Most locksmiths can accomplish the job within 24 hours.

Make sure that your valuables cannot be seen from outside the home. While it may be nice to look out, burglars will see your valuables inside. If your windows are facing the street, make sure you cover them and protect your valuables.

If you live more out in the country, you may think that you’re not at risk. Some people think that country folk are mainly targeted since they don’t have nearby neighbors. Still, many believe that rural environments are less frequently targeted by burglars.

Purchase flashlights that have good batteries, and keep them in every room in your home in case the power goes out. If the lights go out, they will ensure everyone stays safe. Also show your children how to use them so they can help out in emergencies.

Lock your home when you leave, even if you don’t think you will be away for long. A lot of times, burglaries happen due to carelessness. It doesn’t take long for a thief to steal thousands of dollars worth of stuff.

Criminals are much less likely to target your home if it’s well lit. This will deter crooks from trying your home. Ample lighting makes it difficult for would-be burglars to approach undetected, and this turns your home into a less attractive target. Keep lights on during the night.

Don’t just consider alarming your doors when you’re considering an alarm system. It should protect the windows too. You want to be sure that the alarm is connected to all windows and entry points. Doing this will help ensure the safety of your home and loved ones.

Use the Internet when you are seeking a new home security company. You can check out their packages and rates and also read some customer reviews. After narrowing down your top five choices, you can then take the next step by contacting each one.

If you’ve bought large or pricy items, avoid throwing out boxes until the day the trash is scheduled for pick-up. Empty boxes for expensive new gear serve as advertisements to potentials thieves; don’t make it easy for them to spot such tempting targets.

Before signing up for a particular home-security company, find out how long they’ve been around. Companies that have been around for years have shown that they know the industry and that their services are reliable and great enough for recommendations. When you know that you’re dealing with a company of some repute, you can feel more at ease making that decision.

Always plan for the worst instead of thinking your home will never be the target of a criminal. Perpetual fear is not some place you want to live, so take precautions. Keep these tips in mind if you want to improve your home’s security in order to protect your family.

The areas outside your home should be kept well lit. Burglars seek darkness so that they can stay hidden. Put a light anywhere where an intruder can enter your home. Consider all your doors, porches, patios, decks, garages and all ground-level windows.